Why My Dog Is Acting Drunk And Wobbly

Dogs do not drink alcohol so when they act drunk, it is a reason for concern. Why is my dog acting drunk and wobbly? Well, there are many reasons, but let’s ruke out alcohol for now. This is a more severe topic so stay focused and take your time. We will try to explain all the reasons and help you by revealing what you could do if this happens to your dog. 

What Does It Mean When A Dog Is Acting Drunk And Wobbly?

Before we go into the article, let’s define what I meant by “acting drunk and wobbly.” When I said “drunk,” I referred to the way the dog might appear to be stumbling or swaying, as if he or she had too much drink. And when I said “woobly,” I meant the dog has difficulty standing or maintaining balance.

7 Reasons My Dog Is Acting Drunk And Wobbly

Collapsing and Fainting

Fainting and collapsing are not very rare in dogs. You should know that this is not the same thing as a seizure.

A dog will usually have pale gums and he may fall to one side. In some dogs, the heart is the cause of this problem. Your vet will examine the dog and take blood samples. He may even perform an ultrasound exam or x-ray to diagnose the issue. 

Vestibular Disease

This is a rare disease that usually affects older dogs. It can be caused by tumors, ear infections, and even trauma. A dog will act wobbly and he may even fall down. He won’t be able to stand up. In general, a dog will feel dizzy all the time and he will even keep his head tilted. If you notice anything like this with your pet, take him to a vet as soon as possible.

He must perform a full neurological exam and he will diagnose the issue. Treatment is available. This is not a life-threatening disease but some dogs will always keep their heads tilted and they will be wobbly. 

Ataxia

Ataxia is basically a spinal disease. It refers to a slipped disc and it usually happens in dogs with a very long back. The best example is dachshunds. It will always cause weakness and wobbliness that look bad and severe. As you can imagine, taking a dog to a vet is mandatory. He must perform an exam and determine the cause of the spinal disease.

We must add that if your dog suffers from ataxia or you believe this is the problem, don’t allow him to jump or make sudden moves. You will have to be careful while taking him to a vet. If a dog is small, carry him. 

Seizures

All kinds of seizures can cause your pet to act drunk and wobbly. These can happen at any given moment. But there are signs you should look for. For example, before a seizure, a dog will whine and be extremely nervous. Once the seizure starts, he may be unable to control his muscles, or he will fall down on the floor and shake. In this case, the spasm will happen as well. A dog may defecate or urinate during the seizure. After the seizure, he will act disoriented and restless.

During the seizure, you can’t do much. You will have to move the furniture and turn off the lights and music in the room. The goal is to make the environment as calm as possible. Once the seizure ends, take your dog to a vet immediately. 

There are many things that can cause seizures. Some of the more common examples are tumors, liver disease, low sugar blood levels, heat, epilepsy, and nutritional imbalance. As you can see, all of these are severe health issues. Your pet will need treatment for any of these diseases or conditions.

Toxins

Toxins can make your dog act drunk and wobbly. They will affect the nervous system, which explains the weird behavior. For instance, antifreeze can do this. It is extremely toxic to dogs and you must make sure your pet doesn’t come into contact with this liquid. Slug pellets can cause the same thing. 

You will notice that a dog is acting weird. This can last for some time and then he will end up with a seizure or collapse. Both of these are severe and massive problems.

Regardless of the toxin present, you need to take your pet to a vet. He will need to eliminate the toxin as soon as possible. In some cases (sadly, it is more common than we would like to see), toxins can be deadly. As such, fast intervention is mandatory. The sooner you take him to a vet, the better odds your pet has! 

Heatstroke

You already know that dogs can suffer from heatstroke. This can happen to any dog when the temperature is too high. A dog will act wobbly and drunk and he may even collapse. He will also pace fast and he will be anxious. There are a few things you have to do.

First of all, make sure that the dog is not outside or in the car when the temperature is too high. Also, make sure that he drinks plenty of water. Avoid taking him outside when the temperature is high. In some cases, you may want to use cooling mats. They can help. 

Most of you will try to remedy the issue by yourself. This is not a wise thing to do. In reality, the best thing you should do is take him to a vet as soon as you notice these signs. Intravenous fluid therapy will help. A vet will also use various cooling procedures. 

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders, like vestibular disease, can also cause a dog to act drunk and wobbly. Vestibular disease affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Dogs with vestibular disease may also exhibit symptoms like head tilt, rapid eye movement, and nausea. Treatment for vestibular disease typically involves managing symptoms, such as with medication to reduce nausea.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Acting Drunk And Wobbly

If you notice that your dog is acting drunk and wobbly, the first step is to observe their behavior carefully and determine whether there are any other symptoms present. If your dog is exhibiting other symptoms, like vomiting or lethargy, go to the vet.

Even if your dog is not exhibiting other symptoms, it’s still a good idea to go to the vet to rule out any underlying health conditions. Your vet can perform a physical exam and any necessary diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms.

In the meantime, it’s important to keep your dog safe and comfortable. Provide a quiet, calm environment for your dog to rest in and make sure they have access to water and food. If your dog is having trouble standing or walking, you may need to assist them with mobility or provide a supportive harness or sling.

If your dog is exhibiting signs of intoxication, such as vomiting or diarrhea, do not try to induce vomiting at home. Instead, seek veterinary care immediately to prevent further complications.

Preventing A Drunk And Wobbly Dog

While not all causes of a drunk and wobbly dog can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of certain health conditions.

Regular veterinary care is key to catching and treating health issues early. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and has regular wellness exams to monitor their health.

Keep your home free of toxic substances and be mindful of what your dog has access to. This includes household chemicals, medications, and certain types of plants that can be toxic to dogs.

Finally, be sure to feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet and provide regular exercise to keep them in good health.

FAQs About Dogs Acting Drunk and Wobbly

1. What could cause my dog to suddenly start acting drunk and wobbly?

Sudden, unsteady, wobbly behavior in dogs can be caused by vestibular disease, ear infections, neurological disorders, hypoglycemia, dehydration, or even poisoning. Each of these conditions can affect your dog’s balance and coordination.

2. Is vestibular disease serious?

Vestibular disease can vary in severity. While it can be alarming to see your dog displaying symptoms, many dogs recover from vestibular disease, especially with prompt veterinary care. However, the underlying cause of the disease needs to be determined.

3. Could my older dog’s wobbly movements be due to aging?

Yes, in older dogs, arthritis or cognitive decline can lead to unsteady movements. Age-related issues often develop gradually, unlike sudden onset conditions like vestibular disease.

4. Are there any immediate steps I should take if my dog starts acting wobbly?

If your dog suddenly starts acting wobbly, ensure they are in a safe, comfortable area where they can’t hurt themselves. Remove any obstacles or hazards and contact your veterinarian for advice.

5. How can I tell if my dog’s wobbly behavior is due to anxiety?

Wobbly behavior caused by anxiety or fear typically occurs in response to a specific stressor and resolves once the stressor is removed. However, it’s important to rule out medical causes, especially if the behavior is new or severe.

6. What will the vet do to diagnose the cause of my dog’s wobbly behavior?

Veterinarians typically perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, X-rays, or an MRI, depending on the suspected cause of the wobbly behavior.

7. Can ear infections cause wobbly movements in dogs?

Yes, ear infections can affect a dog’s balance and lead to wobbly movements, especially if the inner ear is involved. Treatment of the infection usually resolves these symptoms.

8. Should I restrict my dog’s activity if they are acting wobbly?

It’s wise to limit your dog’s activity to prevent injury until you have consulted with a veterinarian. Provide a comfortable resting area and help your dog move safely when needed.

The Final Word 

Why is my dog acting drunk and wobbly? What should I do? The first thing you need to do is follow the symptoms. In all of these cases, help from a vet is mandatory. These are severe issues that require professional help.

These are not things that you can cure yourself at home. As you can assume, a dog who acts drunk and wobbly must have seriously affected the nervous system or spine. Only complex and severe things can cause that. As such, vet help is something to use as soon as you can.